Stratford-upon-Avon is perhaps known best as the birthplace of William Shakespeare. Located on the River Avon in the south-central section of England this town resides in the Stratford-on-Avon district. The district uses the word on rather than upon to indicate that it covers a larger area. Stratford-upon-Avon is known simply as Stratford to its residences. This could further be complicated by the fact that there is a Stratford in the London area.
The fact that William Shakespeare was born in Stratford-upon-Avon creates a huge attraction and consequently massive tourism industry. As a result of this attraction the town witnesses the visit of 3 million tourists a year. Besides tourism the city’s economy is also based on manufacturing, including boatbuilding. The Internet and computers has also had a major influence on the economy.
Prior to the history of William Shakespeare and the effect of the theater on the community Stratford’s origins were rooted in that of a market town. The name derives from two words that translate into street and Ford. It is believed that this derived from the fact that a Roman road bordered the river Avon in the area where the town now sits. The town grew up around this market and eventually became influenced by the theater as a direct result of William Shakespeare.
A gentleman by the name of David Garrick built the first theater in the town in 1769. This was a simple wooden structure and was a temporary theater that Garrick had erected to display theatrical productions. Garrick had a major effect on the theater and was an actor, playwright, manager and producer. Perhaps his most memorable accomplishment was his role of Richard III in William Shakespeare’s play. Derek also had a major effect on the country and when he died his service was conducted at Westminster’s Abbey and his burial was in poet’s corner.
Garrick had a major role in the history of the city and its original theater stood close to the current location of the Royal Shakespeare Theatre. The city celebrated the 300 anniversary of Shakespeare’s birthday in’64 by building and dedicating the theater to the memory of William Shakespeare. This first theater was a simple wooden structure that was temporary however in’70 the plans for a permanent theater dedicated Shakespeare were implemented. This Memorial Theater opened in’79 and was immediately a huge success.
In’26 the original theater was burned down after having operated for over 50 years and was replaced six years later in’32. The shell of the original Memorial Theater is now contained within the walls of the Swan Theater that was built in the’80s. The Swan Theater is considered one of the finest in all of England.
You cannot go anywhere in this city without seeing some indication that Shakespeare once lived here. In fact there are five houses relating to Shakespeare’s life, including the Anne Hathaway cottage, Hall. ’s Croft and Nash. ’s house. Another reminder of Shakespeare within the city is the Holy Trinity Church where he was baptized and is buried. The most popular non-Shakespearean tourist attraction is the Stratford butterfly Farm.
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